IronBirds Outlast Thunder in Game Two
Published on August 5, 2026 under Major League Baseball Draft League (MLBDL)
Trenton Thunder News Release
TRENTON, N.J. - In an action-packed, rain-delayed marathon at the ballpark on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, the Aberdeen IronBirds slugged their way past the Trenton Thunder 10-8. Despite enduring a lengthy two-hour and 42-minute rain delay and a relentless late-game surg e by Trenton's offense, Aberdeen relied on crucial multi-run explosions in the third and sixth innings to secure the victory before an energetic crowd of 5,625 fans.
Aberdeen set the tempo early in the opening frame. Jacoby Radcliffe led off the game with a single and a stolen base, eventually scoring on a fielder's choice assisted by a throwing error. Moments later, Luis De La Cruz drove home Max Galvin with an RBI single to stake the IronBirds to an early 2-0 advantage.
Trenton responded in the bottom of the second inning, loading the bases before Casen Taggart brought home Bryson Trammell on a sacrifice fly and Cy Turner knocked in Dean O'Neill with another sac fly to knot the score at 2-2.
The turning point came in the top of the third when Aberdeen's lineup capitalized on free passes. After back-to-back walks and a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases, CJ Dean delivered a clutch two-run single to left-center field. Taj Bates immediately followed with a sharp two-run single of his own, extending the lead. Radcliffe added a sacrifice fly off reliever Gerald Hanson to cap off a five-run outburst, putting Aberdeen ahead 7-2. Trenton refused to go quietly, answering in the bottom half with three runs on four hits -- highlighted by consecutive RBI doubles from Dean O'Neill and Casen Taggart -- to pull within 7-5.
Aberdeen created separation in the top of the sixth inning. Radcliffe ignited the rally with an RBI triple to right field to score Randy Flores, and two batters later, Brylan West lashed a two-run double to right, expanding Aberdeen's cushion to 10 -5. Trenton continued to chip away, scoring a run in the sixth on an AJ Swader sacrifice fly and two more in the seventh when pinch-hitter William Lybrook smashed a two-run triple to right-center field, bringing the Thunder within two at 10-8.
Trenton mounted one final threat in the bottom of the ninth against Aberdeen closer Jake Geis, putting the winning run at the plate after a walk and a pinch-hit single by Juju Stevens. However, Geis held his ground, forcing AJ Swader to fly out to Radcliffe in outfield to seal his third save of the season and preserve the victory for winning reliever Ethan Paulson (1-0), while Jackson Thomas (0-2) took the loss.
Trenton was led offensively by Dean O'Neill and AJ Swader, who each had three-hit performances, while Radcliffe led Aberdeen with two hits, a triple, an RBI, and two runs scored.
Your Trenton Thunder take on Aberdeen in Game three on Thursday August 6th at 7:00pm! For full ticket pricing and information, partnership/sponsorship opportunities, and information about special events at Trenton Thunder Ballpark, please visit trentonthunder.com or call the radius 180 Thunder Box Office at (609) 394-3300, opt 4.
Major League Baseball Draft League Stories from August 5, 2026
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- IronBirds Outlast Thunder in Game Two - Trenton Thunder
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